By Jennifer Rock

23 June 2005

If you were wondering how Kanye West was going to live up to his first album ‘The College Dropout’, he simply says: “I made this new album, so you would need to ask somebody else.” So having heard a sneak preview of ‘Late Registration’, I’d say that it is all of that and more. 

I was privileged enough to be amongst a select audience attending a unique event hosted by the man himself, where he freestyled his way through meaningful lyrics, and spoke candidly about his inspirations for the album, and the featured artists.    

The first track, ‘Diamonds’, currently enjoying major airplay, is essentially about the trade in illicit diamonds in Sierra Leone which has consequentially been the cause of violence and misery to thousands people. Labelling it conflict diamonds, Kanye seeks to promote social and political awareness. He states that, “With a rap you can always make it a positive. I’m a messenger, sometimes I feel as though God is in the studio wanting me to deliver a message. When he is, there is a lot less thinking on my part.” 

One of my favourite tracks is ‘Celebration’, which I might also add is a personal favourite of his. The track uses varied instruments in the background, but the strings and the horns take centre stage here. Another favourite was ‘Testify’, as it favoured a retro Seventies vibe.  

The album includes samples from Etta James, Curtis Mayfield and Ray Charles.

Although some might criticise and dismiss the use of sampling, as you listen, the reason for this immediately becomes obvious. His lyrics work well around it, and it is evident that they are written by him and not for him through the passion and energy he ensues through his delivery as he dazzled the audience with impromptu freestyling.  

Sampling from Shirley Bassey on the current hit ‘Diamonds’, he comments that:  “I was surprised that somebody hadn’t used this song before; I would have given ‘Diamonds’ to Jay-Z as a gift if he hadn’t retired.”  

However, it is not everybody who can feature on a Kanye West album. “You have to be known as a lyricist to get on my album,” he said. Notable featured artists who make the grade include Maroon Five, John Legend and The Game. “The album is an expression of how I feel, anyone featured on there is an extension of that.” 

I particularly enjoyed the collaboration with Brandy on ‘Bring Me Down’ which included a 20-piece orchestra, who were flown in from all parts of the world to record it. Kanye comments that after all the recent trouble Brandy had experienced with her label, this song was truly apt for her.  

Playback tracks from the audience included ‘Celebration’, ‘Addiction’ and ‘Crack Music’. Listen out for these cuts and make up your own mind. 

‘Addiction’ borrows a sample from Etta James’ ‘My Funny Valentine’, a song which a young Kayne used to sing in school. “Imagine what my teachers would think now that I have used the track as a comparison between sex and drugs!” exclaimed the producer extraordinaire.

Kanye West, as it is written on the new album, certainly follows logical progression in titling, from the ‘College Dropout’ to ‘Late Registration’, and the next album, to be called ‘Graduation’. 

The whole evening lent the feel of a sit down concert. After you take a listen to the album, which is due out this summer, Kanye feels, “With this album I’m gonna be people’s favourite rapper.” Ain’t that the truth!

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